Sourav Ganguly eager to host day-night Tests at the Eden Gardens
At a time when day-night Tests are rapidly gaining traction, Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) President Sourav Ganguly has advocated the idea to utilize Eden Gardens as a potential venue for hosting pink-ball matches.
In an experiment to test the feasibility of the ground conditions, Indian Express reported the organization opting to schedule the final of the Inter-Club Championship as a day-night affair.
The first division title clash is likely to be held in June and would be a trial for CAB before Ganguly puts forward a proposal to the BCCI to assign India’s first day-night Test to Eden Gardens. The historic pink-ball contest is set to materialize when New Zealand tour India, later this year.
CAB Joint Secretary Avishek Dalmiya affirmed, “As a preparatory measure, the CAB is contemplating to trial a pink Kookaburra ball in day-night conditions in its local competition, preferably the Final of the CAB League Tournament.”
Also read: What transpired when Sourav Ganguly bumped into old mate Rahul Dravid
Making his intentions pretty clear, he asserted, “Sooner or later, Eden Gardens would obviously be a venue to play D-N Test match. The purpose of doing this exercise is to ensure it acts like a dress rehearsal before day and night test matches are played here.”
At the end of the trial fixture, the players and officials involved could give a feedback about their experience. Dalmiya enthused, “Prior to hosting such day and night Test matches, we would ideally want to take the feedback from the players during and after such game at the local level and address the concerns if any.”
The inaugural day-night Test which happened in Adelaide between Australia and New Zealand was an unprecedented success. Dispelling concerns regarding the durability of the pink-ball, the floodlit encounter drew massive numbers and captivated the attention of television viewers.
Usually comprising of two-day matches, Ganguly has recommended the Club Championship to be modified into four-day contests in a bid to strengthen the technique and temperament of upcoming Bengal cricketers.
The Joint Secretary noted, “It would also be interesting to see how the balance between the bat and the ball is maintained so that there is a proper contest. We even want to see how the pink ball fares under the lights.”
Son of the revered Jagmohan Dalmiya, Avishek added, “After all, Eden Gardens is a historic venue, and we need to be fully prepared to take the leap forward. And be ready to host such Tests before the commencement of the next season.”